Ruler Born in Bethlehem

DECEMBER 27

Scripture Reading

Read Micah 5:1-5 and reflect on the passage.

The Christmas season is my favorite. Everyone is merrier, the days feel more magical, and “holiday cheer” brightens the night. I have always highly anticipated Christmas morning, the “best moment” of every year.

So, it comes as no surprise that December 26th has historically been my least favorite day of the year. On that day, houseguests head home, all the radio stations go back to playing regular boring non-Christmas music, and the anticipation gives way to a massive post-holiday emotional letdown.

When my siblings were expecting children, however, my perspective on the anticipation of this season changed. The long wait to meet these newborns certainly didn’t end in a letdown—it gave way to the joy of sharing life with them and watching them change their world. Life was fundamentally different since they arrived, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When God promised Israel a Ruler who would reach the ends of the earth with His rule and reign, He didn’t promise us a one-day event. In Christ’s birth is the promise of ages, an eternal hope, and everlasting life that is renewed day after day after day.

That’s the best news on December 26th, 27th, and beyond!

Questions

How has Christ’s birth fundamentally changed your life?

How can you find ways to live into the daily hope of life with Christ?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that Your birth was not a one-time event, but the beginning of my eternal life with You. Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Katie Borden